Zinc deficiency

Oatmeal, sir!

Author: Alexander Yezovit

According to a recent article from respectable popular science publication "Nature", in 2050 the content of zinc and iron in the favorite by many Europeans oatmeal will significantly reduce. The reason for this - the expected increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the air.

This message is quite disturbing, because oatmeal - almost the only source of these essential substances in the diet of people in developing countries. Zinc and iron deficiency will also be a problem for the population of the developed Euro-pean countries, and more specifically supporters of vegetarianism and those who consume animal protein in small amounts.

Zinc is an integral part of a balanced diet. It plays a key role in the growth and metabolism of cells, functioning of the immune system, regulation of the acid-base balance; it is part of many enzymes and is indispensable in the functioning of hormones, such as insulin and thyroid hormones

For children

Zinc is essential from the beginning of life. Its deficiency can cause growth retardation, anemia, an enlarged spleen, lack of appetite, susceptibility to infections and slow healing of wounds in children.

At cold

Zinc has also a more tangible action. The results of 15 clinical trials published in 2013 showed that intake of zinc within 24 hours after the first symptoms of colds significantly reduces the duration and extent of disease. The reason for this is probably that zinc stimulates the formation of the immune cells.

Furthermore, laboratory studies have shown that zinc interferes formulation 8 (of 9) strains of rhinoviruses which cause common cold. Preventive reception of zinc reduces the incidence of colds in children.

Against depression

Another important fact - this is the connection between body's supply of zinc and mental state. A survey of more than 1,600 people helped to establish the relationship between low levels of zinc in the blood and the onset of depression. This interdependence is straight: the lower the concentration of zinc, the more serious manifestations of depression was the representatives of the control group.

In diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels

Review of the data of 25 clinical trials, including information on 1300 patients showed that intake of zinc in combination with conventional treatments may provide effective glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Regular intake of zinc helps to normalize blood sugar levels after meals and to reduce HbA1C factors.

On top of that, zinc also reduces total cholesterol, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol - high density lipoprotein (HDL).

Zinc deficiency is a problem not only in developing countries but also in wealthier countries. To the right amount of this element daily enters the body, it is enough of a balanced and varied diet, however, few people, unfortunately, stick to that.

There is only one way out - to take qualitative dietary zinc supplements (in an easily digestible chelate form) or complex multivitamins, which necessarily contain zinc and other minerals, required us. So when you hear: "Oatmeal, sir!" - do not forget to ask a counter question: "What about multivitamin?"

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